“I do think you might let me see what you have written,” coaxed Helen.
“I would rather not,” pleaded Rosanna. “Somehow I feel as though I couldn’t finish it if I should show it to anyone before it is done. I will show it to you the very first one, Helen. Here is one thing you can hear.”
She took a crumpled piece of paper from her pocket, and while Helen walked very close beside her commenced: “This is a song sung by two sisters named Elsie and Allis. And you will see what it is all about.”
“Is there a tune for it too?” said Helen in great wonder.
“No, I can’t make up music,” said Rosanna regretfully, “and, anyhow, I think it would come easier to use a tune everybody knows. This goes to the tune of Reuben, Reuben, I’ve been Thinking. You know that?”
“Of course,” said Helen. “Now let’s hear the poetry.”
Rosanna had written:
“Two girls come on the stage, one from the right and one from the left. One is dressed in beautiful clothes, and the other very neat and clean, but in awfully poor things. She has on a thin shawl. She is Elsie. The rich child is Allis. Allis sees Elsie, and sings:
SONG